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Oak Ranch’s Residential Program Reopened

October 26, 2007

Oak Ranch near Broadway reached a major milestone in September. The first child was admitted into care since Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina (BCH) assumed management of the 755 acre ranch in June.

Today, two fifteen-year-old boys live at Oak Ranch’s Ewing House signaling a new era of child care for Oak Ranch as part of BCH’s 122-year-old statewide system. “The arrival of the first two children has created an electricity and excitement,” Oak Ranch director Phill Richmond said. “For myself and the child care workers, there’s a new spring in our step as we go about God’s work of helping children and families.”

Both boys are adjusting well to their new ranch surroundings and have formed a fast bond with their child care workers. “They are both skate boarders as well as aspiring athletes,” Richmond said. “Our basketball goal, which has been dormant, is now back in action.”

Oak Ranch grew from the dream of Lyston Peebles, a Raleigh native, to help at-risk boys. The dream became a reality in 1998 when the land site on the Lee and Harnett County line was acquired.

In the fall of 2006, Oak Ranch began a search for a partner who would help them grow the program and increase their outreach to boys. That search ultimately brought Oak Ranch and BCH together. Oak Ranch’s sprawling property consists of two residential facilities, a mile-long frontage on the Cape Fear River, and a barn housing eight horses. BCH’s new equine therapy program adds an effective tool for helping at-risk children. Oak Ranch’s unique program offers an equally unique opportunity for the children. “I heard a quote recently, ‘As the carpenter builds the house, the house builds the carpenter,’” said BCH executive vice president, programs and services Keith Henry. “As a carpenter drives nails or saws wood, it teaches the carpenter patience, decision making skills, and other skills. This is true of Oak Ranch.”

Under the supervision of child care workers, children help with the upkeep of the ranch. “Oak Ranch gives children an opportunity to learn real-life practical skills,” Henry added. “Whether it’s fence building, plumbing, or helping with the horses, children learn skills they can draw upon throughout their lives.” As the ranch continues to fill its beds, Henry says plans are being made to outreach to children through non-residential programs. “We want to provide opportunity for groups to utilize what Oak Ranch has to offer for a day, weekend, or week.”

Since 1885, Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina has helped children and families. BCH began with one campus, Mills Home in Thomasville, but now provides services in communities across the state.

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